WINNERS of the 2010 Royston in Bloom competition were given their awards at a ceremony last week (Tuesday).

Town Mayor Cllr Martin Beaver was on hand to present to the winners, and expressed his pride at the quality of the entrants.

“It’s incredible to see so much diversity from gardens to allotments and the involvement of so many young people,” he said.

“And this is coming from someone who cannot grow anything.”

Rod Kennedy, chairman of the Royston in Bloom committee, said: “In spite of the weather it has been another successful blooming year.”

Mr Kennedy went on to praise the success of Priory Gardens, who were given the prestigious Green Flag award, which recognises beauty and maintenance of public gardens, earlier this year.

“The credit there has to be given to the contractors and North Herts District Council in keeping it in such good condition.”

The only gold award in this year’s competition went to David Thake, landlord of the North Star pub, in Old North Road, Royston.

The overall winners in each category were: Best Front Garden - Primrose Blows, of Old North Road, Royston. Best Front Garden (easy maintenance) - Maurice Harris, of Green Drift, Royston. Best Front Container Garden - Shirley Shelly, Mulberry Court, Royston. Best Kept Street or Community Area - The Meridian School site, Garden Walk, Royston. Young Persons’ Project (Schools or Clubs) - Tannery Drift Young Gardeners, Tannery Drift School. Young Persons Project (using re-cycled material) - Tannery Drift School. Pubs, Clubs and Commercial Premises - The North Star, Old North Road, Royston. Best Kept Allotment - Mick Griggs.

Meanwhile, nearly 700 children from Royston schools and Royston Beavers took part in the sunflower competition, to grow the largest plant.

The seeds were donated by Country Gardens in Melbourn, along with a set of garden tools and a book on bugs.

The winners were: First place - Max Fleming from Icknield Walk School with a sunflower of 11’1�” (3.38m). Second place - Leo Girling from Tannery Drift School with a sunflower of 10’9” (3.26m). Third place - Maja Romejko from Studlands Rise School with a sunflower of 10’2�” (3.07m). Fourth place - Alfie Pocock from 1st Royston Beavers with a sunflower of 10’�” (3.05m).